By Mike Conrad, Division Chief Operations Aptos La Selva Fire Protection District
It just so happens that September is National Preparedness Month, and of course living in California especially after years of drought being prepared for wildland fires in one of many possible calamities we should be prepared for.
A good friend of mine, history professor and author Sandy Lydon expressed to me once that while we live in a wonderful place along the California Coast, Santa Cruz County has more hazards per square mile than any other county in the state. We have almost everything, fire, earthquakes, floods, storms, wind, mudslides, tsunamis and the list goes on. So the best thing we can do is hope for the best but plan for the worst. Fortunately being prepared for all of the possible hazards we face are very similar, so being prepared for one is being prepared for all.
First and foremost you must have a plan. What is your family plan if you need to evacuate? What if your family is separated during an event? Be sure your plan includes a family reunification, either physical or verbal to ensure everyone is accounted for and safe. Remember cell phones and local landlines may be down so have an out of state contact just in case.
Make sure you have an emergency kit and keep it current. Each family is different so your kit should reflect that, but at a minimum you should have the following.
- Food: Keep 3 days worth of non-perishable food. Rotate this food into normal use to keep your kit fresh or better yet restock your food supply annually and donate the existing food to a food bank during the holidays.
- Have flashlights, portable radios and batteries for both.
- Keep extra medication on hand up to 7-day supply in your emergency kit.
- Items for your children.
- Items for your pets.
- There are many other items for your emergency kit. Visit one of the websites below for a complete list of items to consider.
- Ensure that your home is as ready as possible to withstand the possible insults from both natural and man-made events.
- Take all of the measures necessary to protect your business and employee’s as well.
- Get involved within your community with emergency preparedness.
There are many organizations that you can get involved with to not only learn more on how to prepare your home and family but to help others prepare as well. CERT is an excellent program to get involved with and learn not only how to prepare but also how to respond in the event of a disaster.
American Red Cross is also an excellent organization that you can join to learn and help in many ways.
Medical Reserve Corps, Volunteers in Police Service, Fire Corps, Civil Air Patrol, American Radio Relay League and even Meals on Wheels are all great organization. There is something for everyone so get involved.
Let’s take September to become as prepared as we can for whatever is thrown our way. That way while we hope for the best we are prepared for the worst. For more information please visit our website at WWW.APTOSFIRE.COM or visit the websites for The American Red Cross, FEMA, National Weather Service or even the CDC for tips on how to be prepared.